Collins calls on Brentford to keep Henderson legacy alive

Jordan Henderson spent just one season at Brentford before leaving by mutual consent for Chelsea, but his impact has endured, according to Bees captain Nathan Collins.

Henderson signed a two-year deal with Brentford last year after leaving Ajax and made 34 appearances in all competitions for Keith Andrews' side. The 36-year-old helped Brentford finish ninth in the Premier League, missing out on Conference League football on goal difference on the final day.

At the end of 2025-26 Henderson cut his stay short and departed by mutual consent before completing a surprise move to London rivals Chelsea.

Collins told Sky Sports the veteran left a lasting impression both on and off the pitch.

"The main thing is him as a person," Collins said. "It was a short stint, but I think he really enjoyed his time here. He showed his true colours by the end of the season – who he is and what he's about. He got on with everyone, he had a really good attitude and looked forward to talking to people."

"And his standards on the pitch were a really big thing. He drove them, and he had a high set of standards. He really drove training a lot. It's tough that he's gone, but we have a few players who can step into that role and help out. What he's left from last season, I think that will continue."

Since his Premier League debut for Sunderland against Chelsea in November 2008, only James Milner with 481 appearances has played more league games than Henderson's 463, underlining the experience Brentford have lost in midfield.

Record signing Sangare arrives to fill void

Brentford have responded with a club-record deal for Mamadou Sangare, who joined from Ligue 1 side Lens last month on a five-year contract for a reported £41m (€47.9m).

The 23-year-old helped Lens finish second in Ligue 1 and win their first-ever Coupe de France title. Last season he won possession back on more occasions than any other midfielder in the league with 207 recoveries, ranked second for tackles with 86 and duels won with 190, and joint-third for interceptions with 40 among midfielders.

Collins has been impressed by the early impact of the new signing.

"He brings a lot of energy. He brings a lot of tackles and forward-thinking passes. He's just a really good footballer and a smart footballer. He speaks really good English so he's settled in really nicely and to have him in front of you, it'll be a big help for all players."